Past Love

Chapter 26: 3 Months Later

Saturday December 10th, 2005

5:30am

Damon

I can't believe it, I just can't believe it. Three months went by already, the trial ended a few weeks ago, it wasn't much of a trial, it was mainly thrown out due to a lack of evidence and self defense, which was good on my part, i hope that they wouldn't have found the car. I mean i got away with murder, it's something i'm not proud of but i was protecting myself, Lee forced my hand, i'm not a violent person but if you hurt me and you try to hurt the people i care about then a side of me comes out, a side that i'm not proud of. Anyway, I woke up in my room, sweat dripping down my face. I felt a bit cool, the temperature was changing, Winter was beginning to set in, I just hope I'm not trying to catch a cold. {Coughing} I really don't need that right now. I couldn't go back to work at the mall after the whole situation with me and Lee because the corporation basically said "bad publicity" and I didn't want to make a big deal out of it so I told Jahmelle and Tyrone what happened, they told me not to worry about it, next thing i know I got a call from my friend Vonté and he told me that I could work with him and his pops but that's a long trip. So what Vonté did was give me my old Moped back and he got a ride for himself too. I noticed that when I got it back it was really fixed up like a new engine and wheels, everything and there was a note on it.

"To Damon,

I appreciate the friendship we've developed over the past few months. It's been great meeting you and getting to know you. You're a cool guy and I can't wait to see what you do with your life. I also can't wait to see you at work Monday Morning. Be there early.

Your Friend, Vonté."

I got that note on Friday and I've kept it on the end table in my room ever since. I looked at the letter again before I got my day started. I got up and took care of my daily hygiene, brushed my teeth, used the bathroom and took a shower. Around 6:15 a.m. I was out the door. I hopped on my moped and headed down to the job, listening to 102.5 TSLS (The St. Louis Sound). The sun wouldn't be rising for another hour. I was just in my thoughts as I drove. I got there around 6:45 a.m. due to traffic and I walked in.

"Good morning." Vonté said. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm pretty decent, just trying to wrap my head around everything and take things one day at a time man. Also I saw your ride out there, it looks pretty good." I told him. "Hey, I appreciate everything you did for me." I told Vonté as he came over to me and gave me a bro hug. "For real you didn't have to do that."

"Hey man look after everything you did for me that's the least i could have done for you, you know what i mean?" He said. "You have a good head on your shoulders man, no doubt about that." He said. "Now as far as your job, are you excited to start?"

"Wait, I didn't give you or your pops a definite answer."

"But you're here aren't you?"

"I mean yeah but...."

"No buts man, look i want to see you be successful and reach your full potential, and have money in your pocket, you have to start somewhere you know. Now you'll be cleaning tables and helping with orders, make me proud man." Vonté said, smiling.

"Hey son how's it going?" I heard Robb say as he entered the Diner. "Oh hey Damon how are you doing?" He asked.

"I'm doing alright sir, just getting started with my shift...." I put my hands up in quotations.

"You being a smart ass." He said laughing. "You already knew that Vonté wasn't going to take no for an answer and in all honesty neither was I." He said. "You've grown on me and him and it's the right thing to do man." He said. "And believe it or not you mean alot to Vonté, Damon."